10 Things All Superhero Games Can Learn From Batman: Arkham

2. It€™s Not All About The Action

A staple of the character, Batman isn€™t known as the €˜World€™s Greatest Detective€™ for nothing. Whilst never fully realised until WB Montreal€™s criminally-underrated Arkham Origins, Detective Mode has proven to be one of the defining elements of the Arkham saga. Used in both a combative and crime-solving manner, the success of this mode has spawned countless rip-offs and imitations, but the mystery solving element is still strangely absent from these many copies. Whilst crime-solving isn€™t unique to the pointy-eared sleuth, a €˜Detective Mode€™ wouldn€™t be appropriate for all potential superhero adaptations. However, what detective mode does raise is an emphasis on a break from the action €“ a moment to reflect and move to a more slower-paced style of gameplay. Quite often many triple-A titles tend to whip the player from one gigantic action set-piece to the other, without thought to give a breather in the proceedings. Not only do the Arkham Games demonstrate the ability to wind things down momentarily, but they also happen to have some of the most cinematic cut-scenes to have been featured in a title during the last generation of consoles. It is quite clear that slowing the pace down holds mutual benefits for both gameplay and narrative itself.
Content Producer/Presenter
Content Producer/Presenter

Resident movie guy at WhatCulture who used to be Comics Editor. Thinks John Carpenter is the best. Likes Hellboy a lot. Can usually be found talking about Dad Movies on his Twitter at @EwanRuinsThings.